The York University intramural program held their annual RAGE volleyball tournament on Friday evening and Sugar and Spike SC, from Stong College, were named the 2019 Champion among 65 participating teams.
 
Since 1994, the RAGE volleyball tournament has been an annual event that started with 16 teams and grew substantially over the years. Now with 65 teams, RAGE is an anticipated overnight tournament with teams competing from 8pm until 8am the next day. It is a co-ed tournament played 4 on 4 with two men and two women on the court at all times.
 
To kick off the festivities, an award was given to the team with the best costumes, as a recent tradition was established where teams have the option to come dressed in fun costumes. Three teams, who all coordinated outfits, participated in the costume contest that was judged off the cheers from the crowd in attendance. FCSC Just a Tip, who coordinated matching school girl and boy outfits, were named the costume contest champions.
 
Despite the fun atmosphere, the teams competing definitely had a competitive edge as they were looking to be named the next RAGE volleyball champion. After hours of competing, and 43 teams eliminated from the tournament, the championship playoffs were decided based off the top two teams from five pools. Playoffs took place at 6:00am, with two teams eliminated in the qualifying match. By 7:00am, only four teams were remaining in the tournament as they played in the semi-final matches.
 
In the first semi-final match, Aunt Jemima competed against FMB in a best two out of three sets, with games up to 15. In a tight first set, FMB won the match by only one point (with games capping at 17), 17-16, taking a 1-0 lead. During the second match FMB took down Aunt Jemima 15-9, winning the match and moving on to the finals.
 
On the other side, Old Kids on the Block, who were fresh off a big win that was decided in three sets in the semi-finals qualifying match, took on Sugar and Spike. During the first set, Sugar and Spike made it look easy, defeating Old Kids on the Block 15-9, and took a 1-0 lead. In a competitive second match, the game was close, however it was Sugar and Spike who came on top, winning the set 15-12.
 
At 7:45am and under pure exhaustion, Sugar and Spike, led by captain Gabe Dancel and FMB, who was led by Cole Weatherup, competed in the championship match. Decided in only two sets, Sugar and Spike topped FMB 15-12 in the first set and 15-10 in the second set, and after 12 exhausting hours, were named the 2019 RAGE volleyball champion.